Pas CS】Softbank Yuki Yanagita is full of adrenaline, "It's amazing!" final 3 runs to win the Japan Series｜Pacific League.com｜PRO baseball

[Pacific League CS] Softbank Yuki Yanagita ‘s adrenaline pumps: “That’s brutal!” He hits a game-winning three-run home run to put the team in the Japan Series

Sports Hochi

2025.10.17(金) 05:00

８回１死一、二塁、先制３ランを放った柳田悠岐（カメラ・池内　雅彦）

◆2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific Final Stage Game 2 Softbank 3-0 Nippon-Ham (16th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Yanagi, who had left his body behind, looked up toward left field and began to run slowly. The stadium erupted in cheers, as this scene evoked the “golden days” of Yanagi, who reigned supreme in baseball. He smashed a 150 km/h fastball from reliever ace Uehara, who was brought in with one out and runners on first and second in the eighth inning. The three-run leadoff run in the deciding game put Yanagi one step closer to the Japan Series. The hero, who shouted “Adrenaline to the max!” from the podium, wiped his sweat and said, “That was intense. I’m exhausted from all the adrenaline.”

This was his 10th Home Run in the CS since the first game against Lotte on October 14, 2011 (ZOZO). He now ties former player Uchikawa for the most home runs in history. “I was conscious of it. I had been talking to Uchikawa about it.” The record became a topic of conversation with his senior, who threw the opening pitch in the first game. Above all, he was pleased that “I was glad I pitched at a good moment,” and he also updated his previous RBI of RBIs to 36.

This was the 37-year-old’s first time on the podium this season after missing most of the season with a right tibia contusion. “Nice to meet you. I’m Yanagida,” he began. “I’ll do my best to try and make up for it, even if just a little,” he vowed. Although he was out for a long period from mid-April to late September, he felt that “I just worked hard at training, and that’s why my physical condition is improving.” He made a strong presence on a tense stage.

The home runs he hit against Lotte on the 5th (ZOZO), the final game of the regular season, and at the Live BP on the Home Run were both in left field. “I used to hit them a lot when I was younger. It brings back memories.” In recent practice, he has been focusing on hitting balls to the left, which is a barometer of his ability. “I’m trying out a lot of different things. I haven’t quite got it yet, but it’s starting to feel better,” he said, hinting at even more explosive potential.

They are one win away from the right to challenge for the No. 1 spot, which they missed out on last year. Manager Kokubo declared, “We want to go all out now.” The team’s oldest player reflected on his rehabilitation and expressed his gratitude once again, saying, “We will produce results for the people who supported us.” With the brilliance of a leading player, the champions have accelerated once again. (Ando Osamu)